|
Animal Cruelty Taskforce
- 1. ACT Newsletter - Animal Hoarding
- 2. Animal Cruelty Taskforce Description
- 3. ACT Newsletter - Abuse or Illness?
ACT Newsletter - Abuse or Illness?
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
ACT UPDATES
Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona’s
Newsletter for Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice and Animal Protection Professionals
Volume 2, Number 2
Year 2002
ABUSE OR ILLNESS?
A city police officer responds to an animal cruelty call and finds the pet owner standing over the body of their beloved dog. The animal’s tongue is hanging out of its mouth, his eyes are rolled back in his head and there’s a puddle of goo near the mouth. The owner is certain that the pet has been poisoned by the next door neighbor. But has he?
When the cause of an animal’s death is unclear, it can mean confusion, heightened tempers and a muddled investigation. Often, police find themselves trying to answer questions that are both medical and legal in nature. “Is this abuse or a medical condition? And if it’s a medical condition, is it a crime?”
This issue of ACT Updates will help you get to the bottom of those more puzzling animal death cases.
- Protective equipment for police and animal control officers.
- Signs and symptoms of true poisonings.
- Rabies alert for Pima County, Arizona.
- Information on upcoming ACT trainings.
- ACT wins the Pet Protectors Award for 2002.
ZOONOTIC DISEASES:
Zoonoses are any diseases that are transferable from animals to human beings. This common occurrence has received little attention, despite the fact that we and our pets frequently share food, water and shelter. Almost half of the diseases considered to be of public health importance in this country can be linked to wild or domesticated animals; and although humans are still more likely to contract illnesses from other humans, zoonoses are important for every pet owner and professional who works with animals to know about.
HEALTHTALK:
Law enforcement officers should use as much caution to limit their exposure to animal-borne diseases as human-borne diseases. Remember, there are a multitude of zoonotic and parasitic conditions which can affect you!
The following is a list of supplies every officer should carry with him for when he has to deal with animal-related calls.
(Belts can be substituted for a leash by forming it into a loop and placing the loop over the dog’s head.)
Collecting these materials are particularly important when determining if the death was the result of disease or an intentional poisoning.
PARVOVIRUS: A DISEASE THAT LOOKS LIKE CRUELTY?
Pima County is in the midst of a serious canine parvovirus problem. It is important for field agents to be aware of the symptoms of parvovirus, as they can often be confused with signs of poisoning. Compare the signs and symptoms of this disease with those of actual poisonings.
Dogs can become infected with parvovirus through contact with the stool of an infected dog or a contaminated environment. The virus is very hardy and remains infective in the environment for a long time. Puppies are most susceptible to parvovirus infection. Parvovirus causes severe and often bloody vomiting and diarrhea. Infected animals rapidly dehydrate, and severe cases progress to shock and death. Fatalities occur mostly in puppies less than 12 weeks old.
SYMPTOMS OF PARVOVIRUS:
Occasionally parvovirus attacks the heart muscle of puppies and can cause sudden death. A vaccine is available for prevention of canine parvovirus infection and all dogs should be vaccinated annually. Symptoms of parvovirus include:
- Vomiting / reluctance to eat
- Listless or lethargic
- Reluctant to drink water
- Significant number of flies on or around the animal (particularly face area)
- Bloody vomitus / diarrhea (full stage of viral activity)
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING:
Two of the most commonly seen forms of poisoning are ethylene glycol or antifreeze poisoning and rodenticide. In both cases, this form of poisoning could be intentional or accidental. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both forms in order to properly treat or care for the animal.
Other accidental forms of poisoning, less often associated with cruelty, include foods such as chocolate or onions, herbicides or pesticides, zinc, medications such as tylenol or aspirin and, in southern Arizona during the monsoon season, Sonoran toads. Venomous insect and arthropods may also induce similar symptoms but will be accompanied by bites or puncture wounds. Check the animal carefully for these signs, keeping in mind that the animal’s fur may cover up a variety of clues.
Common symptoms of antifreeze and rodenticide poisoning appear on the next page.
ARIZONA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS CENTER:
When an otherwise healthy animal dies, many questions are raised for the pet owner, veterinarians and, possibly, law enforcement. A valuable tool in Arizona for determining cause of death is the University of Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic’s Laboratory, located in Tucson, which can provide the added evidence necessary to take a cruelty case to trial or rule out death by natural causes. An ACT member agency, the Diagnostics Lab offers a variety of services, ranging from blood analysis and toxicology screen to full necropsy (animal autopsy). The cost for these services varies and special preparations must be taken before submitting a sample for analysis. A complete schedule of costs and available services is available by contacting the Diagnostics Lab directly at:
2831 N Freeway, Tucson AZ 85705
(520) 621-2356
Or through their website at:
http://microvet.arizona.edu/AzVDL/index.htm
COMMON POISONING TYPES:
Ethylene Glycol poisoning – One of the most frequently used poisons in the Tucson area, ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is not this substance, but rather the body’s attempt to metabolize it that causes the poisoning. Symptoms include:
- Stumbling
- Dragging the feet
- Muscle twitching
- Abnormal eye movements
- Head tremors
- Difficulty keeping balance
- Dogs will drink and urinate excessively
- Cats will also urinate excessively, but fluid intake generally will not increase
- Cats have a low body temperature
In dogs, symptoms will subside after about 12 hours and the animal will appear to have recovered. Do not be fooled, as this is just another symptom. Late stage symptoms, which are the result of the kidney failure, will begin to develop. Treatment is most effective in the early stages. Once kidney failure has begun, recovery is far less likely. If you believe an animal has consumed antifreeze, get them to the vet immediately! Treatment must be given as soon as possible to give the animal the best chance of recovery. Vomiting may be induced if you SEE the animal drink antifreeze. Give the animal a dose of ipecac syrup or 1-2 cups of peroxide (depending on the animal’s size) to induce vomiting. However, DO NOT delay veterinary treatment in the attempt to make the animal vomit.
Rodenticide – Rat poison causes animals to lose their ability to make Vitamin K, which is a necessary part of the blood’s ability to clot. The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide, strychnine and commercial rat and mouse bait. Some bait contains inert ingredients that can attract an animal. If the pet ingests a rodenticide, there is a chance that it could cause a seizure, bleeding or possibly result in death. When using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals. Eating a dead mouse or rat may also poison an animal. When using rodenticide, be sure to promptly dispose of any carcasses in an inaccessible place.
IT’S A POISONING, NOW WHAT?
When law enforcement is investigating a suspected poisoning it is important to utilize the following tools:
- Evidence collection jars
- Rubber gloves
- Ziploc Bags
Rubber gloves can be used if evidence collection jars are not available – picking samples up with glove, turning inside out, then placing in ziploc bag.
Collect for analysis:
- Feces
- Vomit
- Any liquid around the body
- Vehicle for poison – hotdog, bowl, can, etc.
All of these materials can be submitted to the diagnostics lab with a statement that poisoning is suspected.
It is also important for law enforcement to make a visual assessment of the animal, noting the physical condition of the animal, including the following: body condition (thin, parasites, etc), bloody stool or bloody matted fur around the anus, gum / mucus membrane color (pale, dark, bright red, etc), physical symptoms (nose bleeds, etc). It is important to remember that all of these symptoms may be indicative of poisoning or disease - DO NOT JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS OF POISONING UNTIL IT IS INDICATED BY THE EVIDENCE.
Additionally, the poisoning may be accidental as a result of the animal chewing on plants laced with a pesticide, eating rotten food, etc. Make sure you check the scene to see if the pet owner has any common poisons in use or accessible by the pet or children. Confiscate any poison containers for analysis, or request the fire department for handling this function.
ACT WINS A MAJOR AWARD:
The country’s oldest humane organization, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in cooperation with the Friskies Pet Food company, announced in June that the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona is this year’s Grand Prize recipient of the PET PROTECTOR AWARD. This national award was created to recognize “outstanding programs implemented by an [animal welfare] investigation division . . . humane agents, animal control officers, police officers, and others.” As recipients of this award, ACT received $5,000 and two pallets of Friskies pet food.
The award recipients were judged on a variety of qualifications, including proactive programs that protect animals from abuse, complaint processing and enhanced prosecution, development of cooperative relationships between law enforcement and other agencies in the community, and educational programs designed to raise public awareness about these crimes.
ACT Seminar in Bullhead City a Success
ACT members from six different agencies traveled up to Bullhead City at the end of May to present “The Tools of Animal Cruelty Investigations” at the state conference for the Association of Rabies and Animal Control Enforcement Agents of Arizona. The conference was shortened to its original 2-day format and was presented to approximately 45 people from all across the state of Arizona.
Thanks to the Pima County Attorney’s Office, the U of A Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Pima Animal Control Center, Tucson City Prosecutor’s Office and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for making personnel available to present at this conference. A special thank-you to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for their ongoing support – making personnel and resources available to ACT as needed.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Open to the public:
2nd ANNUAL BOOKS & MORE SIDEWALK BAZAAR
Sponsored by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona
and Bookman’s Used Books, Music & Software
Saturday and Sunday, October 5 & 6. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Location: HSSA shelter, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.
For more information: (520) 321-3704, Ext. 168.
THE ROLE OF ANIMALS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Wednesday, October 16, 2002, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Chaparral College, 4585 E. Speedway Blvd.
Preregistration is required: (520) 321-3704, Ext. 168.
SPIRIT DOGS AND PHANTOM CATS: EXPLORING THE WORLD OF ANIMAL URBAN LEGENDS
Sponsored by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Friday, October 25, 2002, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Bookman’s Used Books, 6230 E. Speedway
For more information: (520) 321-3704, Ext. 168.
Law Enforcement Only:NO DOGS, NO CATS: INVESTIGATING CRUELTY - WHEN THE VICTIM IS AN UNUSUAL SPECIES
Sponsored by the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of So. Arizona
Friday, November 22, 2002, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Chaparral College, 4585 E. Speedway Blvd.
$25.00 fee ($15.00 for ACT member agencies.)This seminar is open to law enforcement, criminal justice, animal control and veterinary professionals only.
Preregistration is required: (520) 321-3704, Ext. 168.
ACT OFFICERS 2002:
Detective Mike Duffey, Co-Chair
Pima County Sheriff’s Department
1750 E Benson Highway
Tucson AZ 85714
(520) 741-4751 FAX: (520) 741-4886
Pat Mehrhoff, Co-Chair
City of Tucson Attorney’s Office
PO Box 27210
Tucson, Arizona 85726
(520) 791-5492, Ext. 1515
Jami McDowell and Molly Allen,
Co-Secretaries
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
3450 N Kelvin Blvd
Tucson AZ 85716
(520) 321-3704, Ext. 141 or 168.
Additional information about the Animal Cruelty Taskforce can be found online at:
www.act-az.org
Courtesy of
HSSAZ
3450 N Kelvin Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85716
Shelter Phone: (520) 327-6088
Next in
How You Can Help Pets: Animal Cruelty Taskforce:
ACT Newsletter - Animal Cruelty Taskforce Information
